Summary
The applicant, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen originally from Syria, sought a security clearance under Guideline B concerning foreign influence. He admitted to having family ties in Syria but demonstrated a lack of allegiance to the Syrian government and a commitment to U.S. interests. The judge granted the security clearance, finding that the applicant mitigated the government's concerns regarding foreign influence.
Under Guideline B (Foreign Influence), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: Applicant's parents are citizens and residents of Turkey (1.a). Applicant's siblings are citizens and residents of Turkey (1.b). Applicant has a foreign job with a foreign embassy in the United States (1.c). Applicant has contact with foreign government officials (1.d).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 7(a), AG ¶ 7(b), AG ¶ 7(d). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 8(a), AG ¶ 8(b), AG ¶ 8(c). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a clear commitment to U.S. interests and did not consider himself a dual citizen; He has no financial ties or assets in Syria and has taken steps to sever ties with the Syrian government; The applicant's mother, who recently immigrated to the U.S., does not intend to return to Syria.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a clear commitment to U.S. interests and did not consider himself a dual citizen.
- He has no financial ties or assets in Syria and has taken steps to sever ties with the Syrian government.
- The applicant's mother, who recently immigrated to the U.S., does not intend to return to Syria.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 7(a)raisedContact with Foreign Family MembersThe applicant has family members in Syria, which could create a heightened risk of foreign exploitation.
- AG ¶ 7(b)raisedConnections to Foreign PersonsThe applicant's ties to family in Syria could create potential conflicts of interest.
- AG ¶ 7(d)raisedSharing Living Quarters with Foreign PersonsThe applicant's mother living with him in the U.S. could raise concerns.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedU.S. CitizenshipThe applicant is a U.S. citizen and has severed ties with his Syrian citizenship.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedNo Foreign Financial InterestsThe applicant has no financial obligations or assets in Syria.
- AG ¶ 8(c)appliedFamily Ties in the U.S.The applicant's mother has immigrated to the U.S. and intends to apply for citizenship.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 3, 2012
- Answer filedOct 29, 2012
- Hearing heldFeb 7, 2013Record held open until February 14, 2013.
- Decision dateFeb 28, 2013
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Under Guideline B
- Consideration of Family Ties in Security Clearance Decisions
- Impact of U.S. Citizenship on Foreign Influence Assessments